Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald

Zelda is very excited to be turning 21.  She is obsessed with all things vikings and is determined to be legendary and take care of her tribe.  She was born to a drug/alcohol addicted mother, but is high functioning living with her older brother.  She sees a therapist to help her navigate her world and how to be more independent. Things go better when a set of rules are followed .  As she begins to become more independent those rules get a bit blurred and things happen, some ugly.   Engaging characters make this debut novel an enjoyable read that was hard to put down. 

Blue Moon by Lee Child #24

Jack Reacher is on a bus to the next town.  He observes a man watching a man with an envelope of money.  When they both get off the bus Jack knows the intention and intervenes.  After helping Aaron keep his money and escorting him home, he discovers the trouble they find themselves.  Aaron and his wife Maria have to borrow money to help their ill daughter.  Jack goes to make the payment and ends up in a turf war between two groups.  This action is a bit more violent than Jack usually involves himself in, and just when he thinks he has got this couple out, they are pulled right back in.  

Marriage on Madison by Lauren Layne #3 (audio)

Audrey and Clark have been friends since they were kids.  Audrey is an Instagram influencer. Last year she found out her boyfriend was married at his funeral and is determined never to find herself in that situation again.  When it is discovered that her latest date is married the internet trolls make her their latest target.  In order to preserve her reputation she asks Clark to pretend they are engaged.  Clark agrees as this helps him too with a relationship that ended.  As they have to extend the ruse due to various reasons each rethinks how they feel about each other.  A fun quick listen narrated by Kelsey Navarro and Kyle Tate.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Walk the Wire by David Baldacci  #6

A body was found in the woods of a fracking town in North Dakota.  Amos and his partner Jamison are called in when the victim's fingerprints alert the FBI.  They are given next to no information as to why she is important.  As they begin to investigate they uncover secrets that certain individuals want kept secret, and when bodies begin to pile up, Amos knows he is close to what is really happening.  A great installment in this series featuring a unique character that keeps the pages turning.

An Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe #6

The Rutledge family story continues with Cara anticipating her wedding.  Linnea lost her job and has returned home to the Island, wondering what her future holds. Palmer is close to finishing the house he is renovating after surviving bankruptcy. His wife Julia is contemplating a new career in design. Each member of the family is needing a second chance. A good, but not great installment in this series.

Mortal Arts by Anna Lee Huber #2

Lady Darby is traveling to Edinburgh with her sister who is close to delivering her baby. While on the way they receive word that a close family friend needs their help and they decide to stop and see what is needed.  Michael is engaged, but her family is wanting to break it because of their latest news.  His brother William who has been missing for 10 years is home.  Their father committed him to an asylum because he was suffering with PTSD and was worried Will would blacken the family name.  While there it is discovered a local girl has gone missing, Will is suspected, but Kiera knows he had nothing to do with it and stays to help clear his name. Another great installment in this series that kept the pages turning. 

In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren 

Maelyn has lost her job, is living with her parents and is feeling dejected.  But with the holiday coming she is looking forward to their annual stay with family and friends at a cabin.  Things don't go as well as she wanted and wishes for the universe to help her.  On the way to the airport they have an accident and she wakes up on the plane going back to the cabin for the holiday!  Maelyn is baffled, but quickly figures it out, and sets about to make a change in her life.  This restart happens a couple of times.  Will she get it right and take advantage of the gift of this time-travel?  A fun, quick read.

*Thanks to Gallery Books/Netgalley for this review copy*

Up Next:

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Treacherous Is The Night by Anna Lee Huber

Under An Alaskan Sky by Jennifer Snow

Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

Me For You by Lolly Winston

Rudy left his job after his wife's death.  He is playing piano at an upscale department store. Sasha has experienced loss and works in the watch department.  She also has a second job at a gym.  They become friends and support each other in their grief.  Rudy's daughter CeCe fears he is moving too fast.  When news about his wife's death is delivered by a detective, Rudy is thrown and enters into a deep depression. Sasha is there for him, and as their relationship  develops he is there for her when she needs him.  Cassandra Campbell and George Newbern narrate this story of a second chances despite deep grief.  

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster for this review copy*

Didn't finish a book this week which is surprising considering the amount of rain we had that kept us indoors most of the week. Thankfully beautiful fall weather is back.

I have bookmarks in a few books:
Wherever She Goes by Kelley Armstrong
Christmas From The Heart by Shelia Roberts
Blood Oath by J.R. Ward
Vendetta by Iris Johansen

Have a great week!


Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (Sp/IMWAYR?)

California Girls by Susan Mallery

On the same day sisters Finola, Zennie and Ali all have relationships end.  Finola's husband is having an affair with a famous singer, Zennie is not surprised when her friend Clark dumps her as she is just not in to him, and Ali's finance ends their engagement two weeks before the wedding.  Zennie makes a big decision that doesn't get much support from her family. As a popular AM talk show host Finola tries to keep her devastation a secret while Ali is helped tremendously by her finance's brother.  Each sister takes a hard look at themselves as they begin to heal and grow closer together. A fun, engaging story full of emotion and laughs.

*Thanks to Harlequin/MIRA for this review copy*

Texas Ranger by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle (audio)

Christopher Ryan Grant narrates the story of Texas Ranger Rory who returns to his hometown after receiving a call from his ex-wife who has been receiving threatening messages. He does not arrive in time and now is determined to find her killer. A quick listen that I had figured out, but enjoyed.

*Thanks to St. Martin's Press/Netgalley for this review copy*

A Harmless Little Plan by Meli Raine #3 (audio)

Ever since her father announced his campaign to run for President, Lindsay has been a target.  When those involved in what happened to her four years ago are back she fears they will succeed in their plans.  Drew is set up and Lindsay tries to have faith in his plan.  Will she be able to hold on when things look the darkest?  A good conclusion to this series that got a bit unbelievable, but did redeem itself in the end. Narrated by the dynamic duo of Andi Arndt and Sebastian York.

Fearless King by Katee Robert #2

Journey King manages her family's business.  They are just getting back to normal after the problems with her mother when her father shows up and is threatening to remove her from the company.  Normally strong and independent Journey struggles because of what her father did to her in the past.  She turns to the last person expected to help her since he was instrumental in helping remove her mother from the company. Frank knows better than to get involved, but has always been intrigued by Journey and agrees to help her.  They have to pretend to be dating in order to get him close to her family. After being successful in stopping her father they know it is not over and their lives are in danger.  A suspenseful story of two broken people who work together and help each other heal.  I look forward to the next King sibling's story.

  *Thanks to Foever/Netgally for this review copy*

Unconscious Hearts by Harper Sloan (audio) #1

Jillian Macie and Alexander Cendise narrated this story of second chances in Las Vegas.  Ari owns a successful second hand store with partner Piper.  Thorn owns a successful strip club.  They meet when Thorn has a collection of high end items he wants Ari to buy for her shop.  Their attraction is immediate but Ari wants this million dollar transaction to be professional. Thorn makes a bargain with her and after the transaction he is surprised when Ari disappears.  Both have secrets and have to decide if they are willing to overcome their pasts for a chance at love. 

*Thanks to Tantor Audio for this review copy*


Just when we thought winter was gone, it may come back this weekend with cold temps and a rain/snow mix.  I hope this is  its last appearance.   It took me a couple of months but I am caught up on my Netgalley requests!!

Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

Look for Me by Lisa Gardner #9

A family has been murdered, the oldest daughter Roxy is missing with the family's dogs.  D.D. Warren and her partner are on the case. They have to determine if she is in danger or if she perpetrated the crime  Flora Dane, who has made it her mission to help girls/women learn how to feel safe, has information that can help.  D.D. is reluctant to accept her help, but when an attempt is made on the life of another member of the family, she relents. Roxy has a reason for seeking Flora's help and while she is being searched for we get her story. Another get installment in the D.D. Warren series that kept me turning the pages.

Legend by Katy Evans #6

Reese wants/needs a fresh start to try and find who she is now.  She moves in with her cousin Brooke to help her with her young son Riptide as they prepare for Remi's last year of MMA. Maverick want to be the next champion, but he is hiding something and once it is revealed no one wants anything to do with him.  Reese and Maverick meet at the gym and make a connection. They keep their relationship a secret at the beginning. Can two broken people forge a new life as they reinvent themselves and as a couple?  This raw, emotional and triumphant book stood alone well despite being part of  series. 

Up Next:
Troublemaker by Linda Howard
The Danger of Desire by Sabrina Jeffries
Sunburn by Laura Lippman

It has been a busy week getting ready for this guys 1st birthday celebration last Saturday!

June is Audiobook Month. Audio helps to keep my reading numbers climbing.


Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

Shattered by Allison Brennan (#4)

Investigative reporter Maxine Revere's specialty is cold cases.  When an old college friend asks her to take a look at few cases to see if they are connected she is intrigued. Her friend's wife is accused of killing their son and he wants Max to prove it is the same killer.  One of the victims leads her to the Kincaid family.  Lucy Kincaid is a FBI agent and is intrigued enough to get involved, but comes against opposition from her family for a very good reason. Max and Lucy work together, a bit reluctantly, to solve these murders. The case takes twists and turns that make the book hard to put down. 

I Flipping Love You by Helen Hunt (#3)

Rian (Ryan with an I) and her sister Marley are in real estate and working to make enough money to buy a specific house.  They have been working hard to overcome a family scandal. Pierce would rather work with his brother flipping homes than work in his father's law firm. He and Rian meet in a grocery story and the rest is a cute, funny, HEA story. Although this is part of a series, it stood well on it's own. 

*Thanks to St.Martin's/NetGalley for this review copy*

Kiss Me Back by Sidney Halston (#3) audio

Fox and Lola work together at a hot Miami night club.  Lola wants nothing to do with smooth talking, pretty boy Fox. She has plans for herself.  Finish school debt free and teach kids in a special program in Ecuador. Fox is determined to win her over.  She finally agrees to a date and when he doesn't show up she know she was right about him. Fox appeals to her for a second chance.  They both are keeping a big secret. When Fox figures Lola's out she is stunned by his reaction.  An emotional, roller coaster story narrated by Joe Arden and Aletha George.

*Thanks to Tantor Audio for this review copy*


A slower reading week for me. Not sure why, maybe too much Royal Wedding watching.

Up Next:
The Immortalist by Chole Benjamin
Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas


Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.

Where Are You Reading? 2018

This is one of the two challenges that I participate in every year. I have been working on reading in all 50 states for eight years now and have yet to complete the challenge. This year I am going to do something a bit different and track where the books are set that I read and not worry about trying to read a book set in every State.

Alabama
Alaska - 2
Arizona -1
Arkansas
California - 21
Colorado - 7
Connecticut -1
Delaware - 1
Florida- 4
Georgia - 7
Hawaii
Idaho - 1
Illinois - 5
Indiana 1
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana - 1
Maine - 1
Maryland-1
Massachusetts 10
Michigan 3
Minnesota-1
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana - 2
Nebraska
Nevada 2
New Hampshire - 1
New Jersey 3
New Mexico 1
New York - 29
North Carolina - 1
North Dakota - 2
Ohio 3
Oklahoma 1
Oregon-1
Pennsylvania - 3
Rhode Island
South Carolina- 2
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas - 8
Utah
Vermont -1
Virginia - 4
Washington 8
Washington, DC 1
West Virginia - 1
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Australia - 4
Canada - 6
England - 28
France - 3
Ireland - 2
Russia - 1
Scotland - 4
Sweden - 1

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

The Fifth Letter by Nicola Moriarty

Joni, Deb, Trina and Eden have been friends since high school.  All are married, three have kids which has made getting together a bit more difficult.  Joni worked hard to plan a girls weekend that all four can attend.  While on this weekend they agree to each write a letter telling a deep secret that the other would not know and keep them anonymous.  When the first letter is read it sets off a series of events that none of them saw coming.  

The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White

Merliee and her two children have moved to a rental home owned by the town matriarch Sugar Prescott.  Sugar sees a lot of herself in Merilee and is not sure she likes it, but continues to be drawn to this family.  Merilee is welcomed by many and feels this place will be good for her and the kids. As Sugar and Merilee get to know one another the story of Sugar's life is told. The reader sees and feels an event coming that puts Merilee in danger.  Loved both of these women and could not turn the pages quick enough to see what happens. 

Match Up (audio)

I enjoyed listening to each of these "match-ups" and couple of them has me wanting to get started reading the character's stories that were new to me. All of the narrators did an excellent job and kept me riveted to every story. Lee Child introduces each author and their history as a writer as well as detailing their process of working together.

Up Next:
Too Scott to Handle by Grace Burrowes
The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey

Saw a beautiful rainbow after a storm earlier this week.  Thankfully, our blue spruce that is leaning did not fall over.  We are sad to see it go, but are having it removed this week.  Enjoy your eclipse viewing.

Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.